South Dakota Ag Connection - Earwig Management at Home

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Earwig Management at Home
South Dakota Ag Connection - 06/24/2016

The wet conditions in the southeast portion of the state this spring resulted in a large number of earwigs showing up in homes and gardens.

"Earwigs are very distinctive and are often feared by onlookers due to the pincer or forceps appendages present at the end of their body, but they are not harmful to humans," said Amanda Bachmann, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education & Urban Entomology Field Specialist.

Bachmann explained that the pincers (called cerci) are used for defense, but earwigs do not seek out humans to attack.

Earwigs are omnivorous, and commonly feed on pest arthropods such as aphids and mites, as well as decaying plant material and garden plants.

"Occasionally, earwigs are considered garden pests when their feeding damages fruit or foliage. However, for the most part they prefer to inhabit areas under mulch, potted plants, compost piles or other damp, sheltered locations," Bachmann said.

Larger garden plants can handle some earwig feeding damage. Other pests, like slugs, cause similar injury, so it is important to make sure the correct cause is identified before applying any chemical treatments. Generally, earwigs exist outdoors and are mostly unnoticed, but like many other insects they can find their way inside homes and other structures.

"Earwigs do not reproduce indoors or try to take up permanent residence," she said. "They find their way inside through cracks and crevices in foundations or around windows and doors. Earwigs can also hitch a ride on cut flowers and other produce from the garden."

A single earwig (or a few) indoors can be easily managed with a shoe, broom or vacuum. However, Bachmann said that if large numbers of earwigs are finding their way inside (or if earwigs are consistently showing up), homeowners should examine their home's exterior for potential entry points and work to seal up cracks and crevices. Make sure screens and doors are secure and free of holes or large gaps.

Bachmann added that barrier insecticide treatments applied around the foundation may prevent some accidental insect invasions, by making the home or structure less permeable to insects will have a longer lasting effect.

If applying an insecticide to garden plants, mulch or soil, make sure to read and follow the label directions. Applying insecticides to flowering plants can be harmful to pollinators and other beneficial insects.

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